Anchor chain

[Rebel112r]

There was a post directed to RT about joining additional chain, to increase amount of chain from 50 to 100 feet. The answer was to buy 100 foot of chain or have a link welded. How about, splicing a short piece of line into existing and new chain. Factory chain comes with splice already, so two splices does not seem too crazy. Not something I would do, unless I had to. I have spliced 8 plait into anchor chain in the past. Took several tries to get a splice I was satisfied with. Just throwing it out there.

 

[Maggie Anne]

That's a good idea. I've tried using the same size chain replacement links but they don't really fit well.

 

[4umfreak]

How about something like this? I had one on the anchor chain on a previous boat. They're supposed to be stronger than an actual same-size link.

Connecting Links | West Marine

Check out our Connecting Links and more from West Marine!

www.westmarine.com

 

[sgeary]

I would not recommend things that introduce more failure concerns--more places for potential failure. What is the value of your sleep at anchor or the multi-hundred thousand dollar boat at the end of the anchor line. Purchase the amount of new chain you want from a reputable dealer like Defender and have their professionals splice it to the new rope rode. Couple that with the biggest anchor you can fit on your bow roller and sleep well.

 

[Eddyprice]

I use a connecting link to join anchor chains to increase my total length and am confident in the security. Like most everything that is crucial just check its condition. It’s a good and simple solution if your existing chain is in decent condition.

 

[sgeary]

How about something like this? I had one on the anchor chain on a previous boat. They're supposed to be stronger than an actual same-size link.

Connecting Links | West Marine

Check out our Connecting Links and more from West Marine!

www.westmarine.com

The West Marine web page says these are "Not compatible with windlasses"

 

[YukonRon]

I've also been considering whether to add chain or buy a new longer one. I found this article interesting: ...
"http://coxeng.co.uk/anchoring/c-links/"

 

[Eddyprice]

The West Marine web page says these are "Not compatible with windlasses"

The connecting link is compatible with at least some windlasses. Others and I have had them working fine with Lewmar windlasses. Just look at your chain specs and match the connection link to those specs.

 

[William Sanborn]

Our RT 27 (Used) had only 60 Ft. of 5/16 Chain and 5/8 Line 180 Ft. I Bought 75 Ft of 5/16 4G chain and a 5/16 connecting link, Add the new chain on the anchor end to save the rope to chain splice, and cut off 90 ft of anchor rode rope, (have saved under V bearth) so now have a total of 220 ft of ground tackle. Find that the Connecting link for the chain goes thru the Windless without any issues. Anchor a lot in 40 ft or less of water and with 135 ft of chain get 3 to 1 scope against the current in the River.

 

[William Sanborn]

The West Marine web page says these are "Not compatible with windlasses"

I have one not West, but I believe it is Sea Dog, 5/16 and have no issues over the Windless.